Responsibility in Action: Lived, Not Just Measured

Sustainability in fashion is more than fabrics, processes, or certifications. It begins with relationships, with the choices we make about how we work together, and with the people who bring every idea to life.

Behind every garment is a story of people, their expertise, their care, and their creativity. At SOKO Kenya, we see sustainability as something lived, not just measured, by operating in a way that keeps people and values at the heart of every decision. Sustainability comes alive when the people making it happen are cared for, given space to create, and able to flourish in their work and community.

Bringing this vision to life requires partnerships that share the same values. When trust, transparency, and shared responsibility guide the way we work together, both brands and factories can thrive. When people are valued, supported, and empowered, the benefits are clear: better quality, more innovation, and a more resilient supply chain.

This approach is not just a principle; it’s a growing movement in the industry. According to McKinsey, the proportion of apparel brands reporting long-term strategic relationships with suppliers has increased from 26 % in 2019 to 43 % in 2023. Deep, values‑based partnerships are becoming a key way to build a stronger, more responsible industry.

Imagine what’s possible when brands build long-term, values-led partnerships that strengthen and elevate the people in the supply chain. With trust, collaboration, and shared accountability, brands help build an industry that is responsible, innovative and far more resilient.

At SOKO Kenya, our principles shape the way we work with partners, creating relationships grounded in shared values and mutual respect. Our collaboration with Zuri has grown over time, not through targets or transactions, but through trust. Together, we’ve learned what works, adapted when needed, and created space for ideas to move both ways.

Their repeat, consistent orders reflect long-term commitment and care for the people behind the garments. Over the years, the Zuri team has spent time on our production floor, shared meals with our makers, and seen firsthand the skill and dedication behind each piece. Their openness to experimentation has driven real innovation: when our team developed a new material made entirely from offcuts, Zuri embraced it, launching a product that flew off the shelves.

When partnerships are built on shared accountability, values, and people at the heart, the results go beyond beautiful products. They shape the way we work, how we experiment and grow, and how the industry itself can thrive sustainably for the long term.